Grace Church Youth Group Director Jenny Hawran
came to the Youth Group with a question:

"Have you ever thought
about what being a child in Iraq would feel like right now?"

And
thus began the discussion about Iraqi schools and a new school supply
program begun by actor Gary Sinise that had been sent to us. As the teens
looked at the photos of the Iraqi children, and heard the stories of them
doing without even the most basic needs such as pencils, they realized
they had the power to help via this program. They took it upon themselves
to make flyers and plan various fundraisers to raise the money to go out
and purchase supplies to send to Iraq.

This small group of 16 teens
has raised $828 !

In June 2004, 14 boxes (221 pounds) of school supplies were sent out!

The teens each wrote letters that were enclosed, as well as photos of their efforts.

Plans are now underway to make this school supply drive a regular Youth Group project throughout the Church School year.